‹ Illinois weather by month

Illinois weather in March

One place stands in for Illinois here — these are Chicago's numbers, not a statewide average.

Based on 1 weather station, in Chicago. One station — Chicago, where Lake Michigan runs the thermostat; downstate summers come hotter, and the far south of the state sees gentler winters.

Chicago & the Lakefront

Highs near 47°, nights around 31°, and 5.5 in of snow in a typical March.

Place Highs / lows Wet days Snow The short version
Chicago 47° / 31° 4 5.5 in Thaw and refreeze, week by week — waterproof boots earn their keep.

Each place above has its own page for the full story — what the month feels like, what to pack, and whether the timing is right.

Where to go in March, across the whole country ›